AROUND THE ISLAND

Aquatic Life

Grenada prides itself on its pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. Swimming, snorkeling and diving are not only spectacular, but are safely protected by the existence of reef formations which shield the islands. There is fine game fishing around the Island for Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish.

These diving waters are completely unspoiled with lots of fascinating shipwrecks and reefs to explore. A vast array of marine life can be found here including moray eels, angelfish, octopus, sea-horses and many others. From November through May, over 15 species of whales are found here including Killer, Humpback and Sei.

Grenada boasts a unique underwater sculpture park a short boat-ride from St George's. Created by British artist, Jason de Caires Taylor, you can snorkel or dive around this well-regarded museum of modern art.

Flora and Fauna

The unspoiled, verdant landscape of Grenada is awash with magnificent fauna and flora. Locals recognize the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the country, as many to this day, rely on the land for their livelihoods. With much of the island designated as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, the tropical climate ensures a year-round, tropical blaze of color.

A wealth of tropical fruits, spices and vegetables are used in the local cuisine and are widely cultivated around the Island, including nutmeg, bananas, cocoa and mango as well as lesser known herbs and spices such as black sage and lemon grass. The colorful national flower, bougainvillea is bountiful throughout the Island.

Parks and Rainforests

Almost one fifth of the Island's terrain is preserved as national parkland or wildlife sanctuaries. The land rises steeply from the coast to a peak of almost 3,000ft encompassing a profusion of flora and fauna within extensive tropical rainforests and as you climb higher, the views back to the sea or along the coast reward every step of your journey. There are cascading mountain streams, carpets of sweetly scented wild lilies and 200ft water falls with perfectly formed natural bathing pools beneath them. Mango and coconut grow plentifully beside the trails and provide exotic refreshment along the way.

There are several areas that have been designated as preservation areas including Molinere Reef (the finest reef in Grenada), Canoe Bay (with scoria and ash deposits), Annandale Falls National Park (the oldest rock formations), Grand Etang National Park (crater lakes and endemic vegetation), Mt. St. Catherine (mud flows, hot springs and the highest peak in Grenada at 2757ft), Mt Hope Clabony (important high quality water supply) and Lake Antoine (herbaceous swamps). After colonization, the land was sold out to estates and cultivation was pushed to the highest practicable limits in most areas.

The Government began consolidation of the National Parks and the 3800 acre, Grand Etang National Park has been protected for 85 years, preserving one of the world's great natural rain forests. The Government and people of Grenada are dedicated to the preservation of their surroundings, as much of their wealth and culture is due to the fruit of this rich land.

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